Love & Delay

2 Corinthians 1:23 – 2:4

 ²³ I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. ²⁴ Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

¹ So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. ² For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? ³ I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. ⁴ For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

To visit too soon will be painful for both Paul and the Corinthians. He will be obliged point out what they have not yet done, and they will be pressured to do them by his presence. A delay gives the Corinthians time to do the right thing and means that when he comes, he will be rejoined to these saints in great joy once their obedience is complete. Paul delays to give the Corinthians time to complete their obedience. [Reference: Why Paul’s Absence Should Make the Corinthians’ Hearts Grow Fonder (2 Cor. 1:12-2:11) by Bob Deffinbaugh]

We learn an important principle.

1. Tell them what to correct.
2. Wait for them to complete the orders (correction) by themselves.
3. After their obedience is complete, meet them with joy.

2 Corinthians 1:24 "Not that we lord it over your faith, but work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm."

# Acts 20:32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.